As a heart-centered, creative entrepreneur who’s committed to creating and living our most authentic work – it can hurt when we don’t get the feedback we expect on our latest creations/offerings/actions.

Being able to really ‘get it’ that the results and feedback you receive aren’t a reflection of how worthy you are – or how good your work is – allows you to get back out there and try again (vs. hiding in shame that ‘it didn’t work’)!

2 // Re-define your measure of success and worth.

Instead of basing it on external measures, measure your success on:

Whether you show up 100% in your business today…Whether you were accountable to yourself (and did what you said you would do)…Whether you dared greatly and boldly today (showing up even though it risked failing)…

Let these be the measure of your success.

3 // On that note, detach your self-worth from your pricing system

One thing that can get us stuck is pricing – I’ve definitely been there with this, and over the last 5 years of coaching entrepreneurs – I’ve seen clients struggle with this piece more times than I can count!

Your pricing is not your worth – charging X amount doesn’t mean you are less worthy than someone who charges more than you do or vice versa.

So, if you feel like you’ve attached your self-worth to how much your charge for your packages – stop.

You are worthy to begin with – no matter what your pricing dictates.

From this space of worthiness (and ease and fun and joy), is where you set your most aligned pricing.

4 // Focus on your journey, and what is right for you

Take comparison out of the equation.

If this means stopping yourself from obsessing over someone else’s packages/pricing/website/social media – do it.

If this means unsubscribing (or forwarding the email straight to ‘Archives) for the time being – do it.

No longer being in comparison mode means not feeling inadequate (or judging yourself as lazy!) when you see someone else doing something – that you aren’t. It means not feeling stressed when nobody else is doing what you’re doing, too.

Out of comparison mode, we can start discerning what is right for us, individually.

Which takes me to…

5 // Be 100% in your own energy

Quite often we scatter our energy by comparing our journey with someone else’s (see point above), or where we were in the past/where we feel we should be.

Neither of these are anchored in the present moment, which is where we are creating our goals from. Bringing your energy back to yourself means being 100% on your own path, in your own energy/power, in the Now.

Meditate, journal, invest in coaching, go out in nature – support yourself in re-aligning back to embodying 100% of your own energy in your business, and life.

Back in late September, I felt this nudge within me.

A white heat of desire … to read more.

It’s one of those things I’m always saying, with a but … Anyway, that day it FINALLY felt like it was time to put together a project of sorts – something tangible, even measurable (a SMART goal of sorts).

This is when the idea to do “A Book A Week for The Rest of The Year” landed in my life!

My friend Claire Baker had been doing A Book A Week for A Year throughout the year, and every single time she updated it always piqued my curiousity (what is she reading? how is she reading more books in a month than I have in the last 12 months?). I was intrigued.

And before I knew it, I had her spreadsheet downloaded and ready to go, a stack of library books checked out, and I was ready to roll.

Whilst I aimed to read a book a week, it didn’t really always happen exactly that way.

Some days I would devour half of a book, and at times it would take me over two or three weeks to read a book.

Most of the time, somewhere in between.

What was constant for me was I scheduled 30 minutes of reading time every. single. day. and sat on the couch with a book in hand at some point each day – usually first thing in the morning.

I also learnt so much about letting go (big one for this perfectionist ;), trusting and giving myself permission to do what feels right throughout the entire process, including:

Remaining unattached to form (number of pages/books per week). My only commitment was to show up, flip open my book, and read (no matter how fast/slow I went)

TRUST that each book will be completed in time

Giving myself permission to go at my own pace

Giving myself permission to let a book go if I knew it was time to put it down and pick up a different book

If you’re thinking of taking on a similar project, I hope this helps you – and just go for it! ;)

Without further ado, my first 9 books!

ON RELATIONSHIPS

A powerful, easy to read, eye-opening book on creating a beautiful marriage/partnership. I especially loved learning about The Four Horsemen (which, since being made aware of them I have to say it’s been a huge shift!) and the seventh principle on how to create shared meaning within a relationship!

A really easy read – an introduction to letting go of fear and embracing open-heartedness in life and relationships. I found myself nodding a lot throughout the book, confirming lots of principles I do my best to live by, coupled with pages of AHA moments

I loved Shakti Gawain’s book on Creative Visualization, and this one on relationship was a lovely read too! I loved learning about our primary/disowned/shadow selves and how they affect our relationships today. Two thumbs up!

ON SELF DEVELOPMENT

This is actually my first read by Elizabeth Gilbert (yes, I know)! I picked it up early this year but forgot about it for 10 months, and the second time attempting to read it I absolutely loved it! A refreshing take on creativity and living a creative life – especially with fear. Highly recommend for creative entrepreneurs, coaches, and people who simply desire to live a life infused with more creativity.

An all encompassing book on how to embrace and enhance your self-worth through different principles and tools. I loved soaking in every page of Cassie’s book and it’s one that I’ll keep referring back to!

Anything on minimalism really interests me, and this book absolutely delivered! Teachings on how to choose quality over quantity in our home, our body and diet, our skin and beauty, and more. I especially LOVED the chapters on simplicity, exquisite quality, and how to live that in our home!

Having experienced fatigue and burn out, I’m always fascinated to learn more about stress and how it affects us – and this was an incredibly riveting read! Practical, easy to implement tips on how we can manage stress within our life even in today’s world where chronic stress and go go go is celebrated – and expected. There’s also a bunch of scientific evidence in the early chapters for the science nerds in us (I’d say these chapters would be hard to understand without a degree in science, but totally optional chapters to read IMO).

ON GOALS & BUSINESS

Reading The Best Year of Your Life really invited me to identify where I’m operating on ‘some day’ magical thinking, and how I can embrace creating my best life this year. I wrote down a couple of dreams (as per an exercise in one of the chapters), and have already ticked some of them off! This book will teach you how to take complete ownership and full responsibility for your life, including how you can start creating + living your best life – right now.

I highly recommend this book for every coach, especially coaches at the beginning of business! It covers so much ground, and while most of the principles taught are the things I now have in place in terms of structure and mindset, I wish I knew how important these were earlier! ;) Lots of incredible mindset pieces on really valuing your work as a coach, guiding your clients in creating powerful results, and approaching business with heart. Really easy read – and lots that can be implemented from the book! A great resource for coaches!

Over to you: Have you read a good book recently? Let me know if you have any good book recommendations in the comments below!

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When I first started my business, all my fears of ‘what would other people think’ came pouring back into my awareness.

The fear of feeling isolated, of being ostracised and criticised for being me.

All those fears (that I first came into contact with in high school) – it all came pouring back in.

The emotional bullying, jealousy, and criticism for standing out and achieving my goals at the time – felt SO real all over again.

It didn’t feel safe to be visible.
It didn’t feel safe to shine brightly.
It also didn’t feel safe to reach my goals.

I was in such a conflict – after all, being in business REQUIRES us to be visible with our work and marketing! And of course I wanted to manifest my goals and create the life & business of my dreams.

When we are in such a space, business can feel like a drag, a journey that is constantly uphill and against the flow.

So – What can we do?

We require to first fall deeply in love with ourselves – in such a way that we are 100% behind every decision we make, we have complete self-trust, and our worth is 100% innate (and not dependent on any external circumstances).

This means:

Getting out of convincing energy. When we are 100% behind our own decisions, we don’t feel this need to convince or justify why we choose what we choose. We don’t feel the need to have everyone else see why we’re doing what we’re doing, they don’t need to see and understand ‘our way’

Positive self-talk

Being kind and compassionate to yourself

Staying 100% on your own path. No comparisonitis. (Hint: Coaching can really help here!)

Continue to move forward in your own journey (no matter what is going on externally – including who is saying what). You do it, simply because – you are doing it for you

Forgiveness work. Forgiving the burdens, stories, and past events that continue to impact you today

This was the first shift for me.

I started feeling more confident showing up and being visible.
I embraced my love for marketing, making videos, sharing my story vulnerably.
I committed to sharing my work with my clients and community.
I showed up 100% for my business on a daily basis.

(If you have received a hate mail or response of any kind, lots of love from me to you. I know ‘hate’ can be a strong word, so I’m going to share my simple definition of it. A comment, action, email or anything that brings you and your work down – whether it makes you lose confidence, feel intimated and fearful, or puts you in a total negative downward spiral.)

It’s easy to bypass this when it’s a stranger – someone who doesn’t even have an idea on what it is we’re doing.

But in my experience – and in many of my clients too – the question remains when it’s a close friend, or someone we thought we could trust and confide in.

I mean – I had invested so much into working on myself – on building my relationship with me – how did this happen?

SO how did I attract this?!

Well, this is where the second part of the lesson begins.

For awhile, I let it affect me.

I withdrew from my business, I felt scared to put myself out there again.
I felt defeated in a fight I didn’t choose to be in.
I retracted to my little corner of my world – feeling wounded.

Accepting that there will always be people who are going to ‘hate’ – who don’t understand what and why you are choosing to do what you’re doing – helped me access a whole new level of inner peace.

One day I was ready.

I was angry – which I readily embrace – because when we are angry, we can start seeking change.

Also, anger is a step forward from depression.

So, I worked on it more:

I gave myself permission to step away from the drama and those who create it. And I let myself trust that in doing so, I was not missing out on any opportunities (in friendship, inspiration, business etc.) I leaned further into the trust that ALL that was meant for me would still find a way to me

I cried it out and grieved

I forgave myself for letting this impact me and my business

I took out everything I had in my toolbox and worked through this block: EFT, journalling, reading, vibrational essences, crystals, oracle cards, audiobooks, programs and courses

I hired all the support I needed: Energy healing, kinesiology, coaching

I gave myself space to reflect. Is what this person said true – to any degree? Is there anything I can learn from this that will bring me closer to my vision and my goals? And then, I let go of the rest

I also let myself focus on the people that I AM helping – the love notes, the ‘thank you’s, the ‘you are awesome’s

Above all, don’t let someone’s hate or judgement jade you. Remain who you are – positive, expectant of the best from everyone you meet, hopeful and more.

Know that this is not a representation of people in the world at large. In fact, use this experience to fuel your determination to create a community of supportive, loving, genuine people around you who lift each other up and celebrate your success and authenticity.

On the other side of things – I can honestly say that while it isn’t a journey filled with rainbows and unicorns… 😉

It’s all worth it.

You will find the soul friends that are SO right for you.
You will find your way again – one that is so much more aligned to you.

One of the things I LOVE about running my own business is being able to travel with my work.

Going away doesn’t mean having to stop doing what I love – I get to continue immersing myself in growing my work and impact!

Travelling can also bring with it so many different gifts:

More inspiration, new and exciting creative ideas

More exposure, seeing and experiencing things from a different perspective

More enjoyment – of different sights, food, friends, and more!

Yet … As passionate entrepreneurs who are on a mission, it can also be easy to find ourselves couped up in the hotel room working throughout the day – or going out to have fun and then worrying about what isn’t being done.

I know neither of these have worked for me, and as someone who is always on the look out for ways to be able to ENJOY & LIVE without SACRIFICE – I’m sharing my top tips that have worked for me so that I am able to enjoy my work and feeling fulfilled each day without sacrificing unique experiences.

A big personal challenge for me in travelling has always been finding a way to balance work and travel.

When I’m in a new place, I desire to be able to experience the local highlights – to breathe in the air here, to feast on the food here, to appreciate the sights here.

Yet, having a never-ending to-do list and creative ideas that are waiting to be implemented (sound familiar? ;) … I can often feel overwhelmed and out of the present moment thinking of what I “should” and “could” be doing – instead of being fully in the moment and enjoying it fully.

I decided that this wasn’t really working for me, and my desire to experience greater balance and presence in my work AND life has seen me tweaking, experimenting, and customising over the last 4 years!

So, if you’re looking for a place to start – this is what has worked for me… ;)

Try it out and see what works for you, tweak it, have fun with it, experiment, and develop your own way of doing things.

Then, have fun creating your own custom formula (and this is what I do with each of my coaching clients in my programs)! ;)

TIP 1. Get clarity before the trip

Is this is a work & play trip, or a “switch off” trip with the purpose of relaxing and having time away from work? Before any trip away (or even while receiving guests at your home!), get clear on your intention. This will ensure that you are creating an enjoyable, guilt-free, memorable experience for yourself and others.

TIP 2. Planning & Research

Planning for work: Writing and scheduling blogs, mailers, reminders in advance; writing out a list of possible ideas in advance etc.

Planning for exploring: I always create a list of places I would love to visit, including how long it would take me to travel there, popular local spots while in the area, and even recommendations of what to eat/see/do specifically while there. I personally love using Tripadvisor in advance to map out the experiences I desire to have while I’m away – as well as recommendations from friends and family. (I am very much a planner and I get SO much joy and excitement out of it….)

* My man, on the other hand, loves having ‘no plans’ and feeling freedom and flexibility – so I always keep my list at hand while remaining open to the magic and those ‘last minute’ decisions and desires! ;)

TIP 3. Creating and finding pockets of time

I posted this as a mini tip on Instagram recently, and someone commented on how fantastic it was to deliberate use these times where most people waste (intentionally or unintentionally)! I typically arrange for housekeeping to come during my lunch break – so I get a longer lunch break – which then allows me to go explore more, enjoy hour-long lunches, and stay in the space of not feeling rushed. Sometimes I even choose to take my laptop out with me and work in the cafe after lunch!

* This tip requires some arrangement and organization beforehand (see tip 7) and I tend to batch my meetings and coaching sessions into AM and then evening PM ones so I have the afternoon with no specific location to be!

TIP 4. Focus time

For me, focus time = airplane mode on, distractions put away, door closed, just me and my tasks at hand. I often start my focus time with a brain dump too, as thoughts can distract us too! While I’m away, I love having my focus time split between beautiful cafes, libraries, and my hotel room. Focus time can include getting feedback back to clients, writing content, working on my own study/training .

* Since I am ALWAYS in my room while on coaching sessions via Skype, I find myself drawn to change my environment and love cafes and libraries for this!

TIP 5. Switch on when you’re on – and off when you’re off

Simply: When working, work. And when you’re switched off, switch off. (For me switch off time often looks like no social media or emails while I am with friends/family or out for dinner with my man – just completely in the present moment.)

TIP 6. Managing expectations and being REAL with yourself

How much time do you realistically have while you are away working AND travelling? Being away often means having less access to reliable internet, less time on the laptop, etc. I used to get quite stressed because I thought “I’m away in a beautiful and high vibe environment – I got to churn out as much work as I can to max it out”.

I also got real about needing at least a week to turn around on my client’s feedback, and that it was better to postpone my webinar training till when I got back and had access to reliable internet – I let go of stress, anxiety, worry, and managed expectations in a better way – which released any set up for failure (self-sabotage).

TIP 7. Batching and outsourcing

This tip when combined to so many of the above can create so much balance for us! Some things to batch could include follow up emails, client emails and feedback, coaching and skype calls, content writing and social media planning, mindset work, getting groceries/shopping while already outside etc. Outsourcing as much as you can is also so imperative when away!

Let me know how these tips work for you!

Over to you: Do YOU have your own ideas and tips that you use while you are away working + travelling?